The purpose of this research is to determine if there are any differences in lipid content and composition in saliva from people with healthy gums compared to people with gum disease. After giving informed consent, subjects would provide their age, undergo an oral examination by a dentist and spit into a tube for 15 minutes. The entire process would take about 40 minutes. Compensation is available.

Recruitment Information:

Subjects will be in the age range of 40 – 65 years and either have healthy gums or severe gum disease. Subjects must not be tobacco users, pregnant or using certain medications (phenytoin, cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, estradiol, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy).

If you are interested in learning more about the study and feel that you meet these requirements, please contact Rick at 319.335.6763 or via email at richard-barwacz@uiowa.edu.